Riccardo Tisci Steps Down at Burberry – Daniel Lee Steps Up

This morning it was announced that Riccardo Tisci is exiting Burberry, making Monday’s star-studded Burberry Spring/Summer 2023 show in London his last as chief creative officer – a title he has held for almost five years at the historical British label. The decision follows months of speculation about a shake-up, with confirmation coming today that the reigns are to be handed to Daniel Lee at the end of the month. 

Tisci moved from his home near Como, Italy as a teenager to study at London College of Fashion, followed by Central Saint Martins, where he gained a first-hand perspective into British culture. Joining Givenchy in 2005 at the age of 30, a pivotal 12-year tenure ensued where Tisci redefined and modernised the French luxury label. An attuned attention to detail in his ready-to-wear and couture earned the brand a boost in sales (peaking at €500 million per year), with help along the way from some of his famous friends – some of which were welcomed back to his final Burberry runway on Monday, including Naomi Campbell and Mariacarla Boscono.

“Burberry is a very special place with a magical past and a very promising future. The chapter I was asked to write in its long story is one that I am incredibly proud of and one I have decided would culminate with my show on Monday,” Tisci said in a statement. “I thrived to continue a legacy of innovation, and consistently championed for creativity and diversity, in order to always keep Burberry moving forward. I want to thank my teams, past and present, and the army of collaborators and friends who helped me write a chapter that I hope will stay in Burberry’s future for years to come.”

Daniel Lee’s return to the helm of a fashion label follows a brief hiatus after an abrupt exit from Bottega Veneta between 2018 and 2021, where he invigorated the label with a modern approach to desirable leather accessories and clothes. The British-born designer speaks about the new role: “I am honoured to join Burberry as chief creative officer. Together with the team, we will write the exciting next chapter for this legendary British luxury brand, continuing its historic heritage and building on Riccardo’s legacy. I am very excited to be returning to London, a city that champions pioneering creativity and that continues to inspire me.”